More than 5000 entries on the history, culture and life of Britain (published in 1993 by Macmillan, now out of print)

War of the Austrian Succession

(1740–8)Conflict provoked by the first great opportunistic move in the growth of Prussia. *Frederick the Great became king of Prussia in 1740 at the age of 28. In that same year the 23-year-old *Maria Theresa inherited the much larger neighbouring territories of Austria and Hungary. Gambling on the uncertainties attached to a female inheritance, Frederick marched into the nearest part of her empire, Silesia.

Austria's ancient enemies sided with Prussia, prominent among them France and Spain. Britain, already at war with Spain (see *Jenkins' Ear), supported Austria – though with limited success. George II led his troops to a minor victory at *Dettingen in 1743, but his son (the duke of *Cumberland) was commander-in-chief of the allied British, Hanoverian, Dutch and Austrian army which was decisively defeated by the French in 1745 at Fontenoy. An offshoot of the main war was the *'45 Rebellion, an invasion of Britain launched with French support.

The peace agreed in 1748 at Aix-la-Chapelle restored to their original owners the various territories seized during the war with the notable exception of Silesia, which remained with Prussia (provoking strong Austrian grievance, which in turn contributed to the *Seven Years' War). Among the treaty's various clauses was French recognition of the *Hanoverian succession in Britain – an important detail in view of the recent reassertion of *Stuart claims in the '45 Rebellion. *Handel'sMusic for the Royal Fireworks was part of the peace celebrations.